Last Minute Thanksgiving Activities, Traditions, and Table Decor

Amazing Ideas to Add Meaning and Enjoyment to Thanksgiving, Even If You Have NO TIME and NO MONEY

I often wait until the last minute to come up with ideas for the holidays. Then, I do a quick search on pinterest and am overwhelmed by the projects – projects that require days to complete, lots of materials that I don’t have money to buy, and more “crafting” skill than I will ever have.

This list is not like that.

The ideas in this list can be pulled together quickly with inexpensive materials that you probably already have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Dig into this list and pick one or two ideas to add meaning and enjoyment to your Thanksgiving this year.

This Thanksgiving Gratitude Project booklet from Alice Golden is gorgeous! I could see these booklets and the memories they contain becoming more and more precious as the years pass. All you have to do is have the printables and a camera ready. You can put the book together after the busyness of the holidays is over.

This super cute turkey thankful box from i heart crafty things is made from a kleenex box. He is begging to be filled up with gratitude cards. You would need to make the box ahead of time, but it won’t take long.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Table Decor

Welcome your loved ones to their very own places at the table with these fun place markers, each including a verse of Thanksgiving and a place for your guests to write their own thanksgivings. All you have to do is print them out!

You won’t be able to make these cute Turkey Napkin Holders by yourself last minute, but you might be able to enlist the help of some kids, keeping them occupied and getting your table looking festive at the same time. Consider setting up a “Turkey Making Station.”

If you are going to include coloring or writing activities on your table, you will need something to hold the crayons or pencils. Solution? Super cute Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holders from Lil’ Luna. These will come together pretty fast.

Turkey Bowling from Make and Takes would be super easy to make if you already have plastic bowling pins, but could also be made with plastic pop bottles. If you are in a hurry, you could skip the feathers and just put the faces on the turkeys.

All you need for the hilarious Pumpkin Roll game from A Pinch of Joy is two left over pumpkins (or more) and some broom handles or something to roll them with. (But be forewarned: Those pumpkins won’t roll straight!)

All you need to do is provide the rubber bands, plastic spoons, clothespins, pencils, bowl, and candy corn. Let the engineers at your party do the rest. (I have a feeling the adults might enjoy this one as much as the kids!) Here’s the link to Frugal Fun for Boys Candy Corn Catapults.

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